hi

[djkaloci2004]

Hello i am looking at getting a ball python and was wondering what all i would need for the cage and care of the snake? Are the snakes prone to biting if so how bad is it? i have been told very band and not so bad. Do they like to be held if so how long and how much? and how long after they eat can i hold him/her? i have been told 45min. and 3days for this. also is there anyone who knows of a breeder in or around niles Ohio.

thanks
dj

[DaemoNox]

Most of what your asking and more can be found in a variaty of books and caresheets out there, read as much as you can and then some.

Babies I prefer and suggest housing in a 20 gallon, adults will do fine in a 40 gallon if you go with tanks. Balls in general are docile and shy, but you will always find individuals who stray from the norm; and babies have a tendancy to bite out of defence more, but overall most are very pleasant to work with. Feeding mistakes are the main cause from bites from adults, and those are easily prevented simply by paying attention. Bites hurt, adults more then babies, but its not horrible (cat scratches and stubbed toes are about the same, imagine being slapped by sharp velcro). With handling each individual has a different tolerance, they really dont enjoy it and wouldnt have a problem if you didnt pick them up at all but most balls do pretty good. Wait at least a day after feeding, better yet two days at first to give them a chance to digest.

[piketpik]

I got mine arround last thanksgiving.

I never got bitten, and it never been agressive.

I got it a 40 G tank with 3 hides (hot spot, cool spot + 1 one the middle)

I closed 3 sides of the tank with backgroung paper so the snake does not have the feeling to be in the middle of no where.

Bad experience : the undertank heating pad caused my tank to crack. I am guessing I will need to get a new tank soon

[ParsonsPythons]

Iv had ball pythons for awhile and they don't strike like mad, though there have been cases. I personally wouldn't use tanks for ball pythons, if I were you spend about $8 and buy a rubbermaid container. keeps humidity, easy to clean, and they take up such little space.

piketpik - you dont need a new aquarium, iv had one do that and I still do it... it hasnt cracked anymore since it did first time.

Kevin

[CHRIS]

Hello like most people said first get the ball python book and read up on them housing heating etc.... click on my link below I have care sheets for ball pythons read up on what you are buying, and remember one thing I can't stress this enough buy captive bred!!!!!!!!! buy from a respectable breeder
Chris